Just some ramblings from me.

This pertains primarily to World War One Medals and medal collections as I whole. I mean no disrespect to anyone.


We all have our collecting themes. Some of the more popular themes as we are all aware are, Regimental, Gallantry, Casualties, last names, Hometowns, whatever suits ones fancy. Some of these themes command high premiums, and seem to be more desirable.

When a highly desirable group is obtained, it gets much attention and many are showcased within the overall collection. This I understand fully and can appreciate. I have to ask about the ‘average soldiers’ medals. I am referring to those soldiers who answered the call to arms, did their duty, returned home to resume their daily lives to the best of their abilities. These simple pairs seem to be passed on by many collectors.

One such pair is the one I just acquired. A simple BWM VM pair to a soldier named A.J. West. I saw this pair sometime ago in an eBay sellers ‘store’ It seemed to be there for quite some time with a buy it now price of what I consider at the lowest end of BWM VM pairs. No research had been done on this pair that I could tell.

I had to go to the National Library and Archives Canada to request a file for a single VM and some paperwork in my collection that I am researching, so I ordered up A.J. West’s Service file at the same time.

Nothing spectacular in West’s service records at all. No major battles, no WIA or KIA, no Gallantry Award. Just the service record of soldier. Actually what was surprising to me was his length of service overseas. It was cut very short due to a pr-existing illness that was no doubt aggravated by his service...I assume.

It will be some time before I can photos of this pair as I am leaving for the sandbox tomorrow again and the pair will arrive after I leave.

everything has a story no matter how humble, but what is important is the remembrance of history which would be lost if not for the collector

Good Evening Cliff.....

I am often asked why I collect military items am I not "Glorifying War"..... My answer is always the same I am not glorifying war I am trying to preserve the "Man" and his life..... Most men did not win medals for acts of gallantry and their names were not printed in any newspaper or book, but just the standard war medals for being there.... Living through 4 years or more of heat, rain, snow, mud and blood..... Many saw their friends die around them but they stood firm so that you and I could live the life that we live today..... These medals represent these men, many long forgotten, but they will not be forgotten so long as I have their medals in my collection and then they will live forever.....

Mike

qsamike wrote:Good Evening Cliff.....

I am often asked why I collect military items am I not "Glorifying War"..... My answer is always the same I am not glorifying war I am trying to preserve the "Man" and his life..... Most men did not win medals for acts of gallantry and their names were not printed in any newspaper of book, but just the standard war medals for being there.... Living through 4 years or more of heat, rain, snow, mud and blood..... Many saw their friends die around them but they stood firm so that you and I could live the life that we live today..... These medals represent these men, many long forgotten, but they will not be forgotten so long as I have their medals in my collection and they will live forever.....

Mike

Well said, Mike!

Hello Guys, I just returned home late yesterday afternoon from Afghanistan. I have been back in Canada for just shy of 14 hours, and already eagerly getting back into the collecting world. Just can not seem to locate the packages that came in while I was absent. Must ask my wife when she gets up.

Paul, glad to see you over here. Sort of lost touch when you left the British Badge Forum.

Mike, I enjoyed very much, reading your reply. I find it very refreshing to know Others share the same passion as I in wishing to remember the men and women who served, not just the members who were awarded gallantry medals.

Welcome back Cliff!

And yes, very well put Mike.